UNSCRUPULOUS traders who sell fireworks to youngsters are being given a real rocket by council officials who are threatening them with big fines or even jail.

UNSCRUPULOUS traders who sell fireworks to youngsters are being given a real rocket by council officials who are threatening them with big fines or even jail.

The warning comes as firefighters prepare for one of their busiest weekends of the year as everyone prepares to celebrate Bonfire Night.

So far fire bosses say there have been just two incidents involving youngsters and fireworks.

These involved yobs in Worcester who pushed a lighted firework into a post box and set it on fire and another gang which pushed a rocket through a letter box at a house in the town.

But council officials say they are not prepared to take any chances and are urging shopkeepers and parents to keep fireworks out of children's hands.

In the last six years, 6,637 people were injured nationally in firework incidents and last year, around half of all incidents involved under-16s.

The county council warns it is illegal to sell fireworks to under 18s and anyone caught risks a fine of up to #5,000 or a six month prison sentence.

And it is urging shopkeepers to always ask for ID if they are unsure of the age of young customers.

Alistair McKeag, proof of age officer, said: "We would like to remind anyone who sells fireworks that they must remain vigilant and continue to operate the Challenge 21 scheme.

"We recommend they seek proof of age from anybody who appears to be under the age of 21.

"By preventing sales of fireworks to children you reduce the risk that anti-social use of fireworks which could result in serious injury or damage to property as well as being distressing to other people."

Alec Mackie, spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Service said:" We do a lot of work with schools trying to warn youngsters of the dangers of fireworks.

"It is also worth reminding people a harmless sparkler burns at a temperature of 2,000 degrees centigrade so they should not be given to young children unattended."